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Thread: Towing with Defender

  1. 8th July 2011, 09:12 PM #1
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    djam1
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    Towing with Defender

    Towing with a Defender either TD5 or 300Tdi when towing a 2 tonne camper.
    Is it better to run in 4th gear at 3000 RPM or can you tow in 5th gear to keep the revs down.
    The desired speed is 90 Kmh they just seem like they are reving too high in 4th but am cautious towing in 5th gear.

    What do people do?
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  2. 8th July 2011, 10:24 PM #2
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    justinc
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    The R380 has a very good 5th gear design compared to jap transmissions but will suffer after long periods of hard work. 4th is best but as you say, annoying.
    however 3000rpm isn't really hard on the engine, fuel consumption will suffer though.

    I would use 5th on easy going flat ground without strong headwinds, and change the trans oil yearly, use a good oil like Valvoline Duragear 75w85 or better still Castrol Syntrans 75w85. Expensive but so is a 5th gear repair.

    JC
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  3. 8th July 2011, 11:11 PM #3
    naradataranto
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    Yep I agree with this. Had my R380 re built recently and it is not cheap. Always use the best oil you can it's worth it in the end. Any incline at all or headwind and 4th is the go otherwise a good tailwind and down hill sections
    5th. also keep an eye on you EGT on big hills especially if the fuel is turned up.
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  4. 9th July 2011, 04:58 AM #4
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    Jojo
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    Cannot really comment on a Defender Tdi but my Disco (300Tdi) pulled the thing in 5th most of the time. Likewise my Defender with the Td5. No camper, though, but either car trailer or bulk. Lower revs are much better on the engine, your wallet and your nerves. You'll notice when downshift is recommended.
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    Johannes

    There are people who spend all weekend cleaning the car.
    And there are people who drive Discovery.
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  5. 9th July 2011, 06:28 AM #5
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    bigcarle
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    im pretty conservative with my 300TDi and im an ex transport driver so i keep my revs between 2000 and 3000rpm unladen and with my 750kg camper it is a little sluggish but no worse than my '85 nissan patrol turbo diesel with 800cc more plus 2 more cylinders and a 5th gear they told you not to use when towing
    anyway back to the story
    with the camper on board i use 5th on easy going and change back to 4th early and when there is a bit more load on it.
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